Peace jirga accomplished its objectives: US

The United States Friday said the Afghan peace jirga — aimed at seeking a solution to end the stalemated war in Afghanistan — has achieved its objectives.

The US State Department spokesman, P J Crowley, said the consultative jirga has provided a national consensus to pursue political strategy to reduce the danger posed by the insurgency.

The US would continue to support Afghanistan as it goes forward, he added.

President Hamid Karzai convened a 1,600-member jirga on Wednesday to get their recommendations for building a sustainable peace in the country.

“I think we will continue to support the Afghan-led efforts on reconciliation and reintegration. We thought the peace jirga accomplished its objectives and has provided some a national consensus to pursue a political strategy to reduce the danger posed by the insurgency,” Crowley said.

The jirga called on the Taliban and other militant groups to renounce violence, an offer repeatedly dismissed by the militant groups, who have preconditioned the withdrawal of foreign forces to any peace deal.

The delegates also asked foreign troops to stop night raids and urged the Afghan government to improve good governance, the two factors, the representatives said, were crucial for peace building.